On Friday, November 1, the Smithsonian Institution made history with the installation of Lonnie G. Bunch III as Secretary of the largest museum and research complex in the world. Only fourteen individuals have been appointed Secretary since the Smithsonian was founded in 1846, and Secretary Bunch is the first African American to hold this prestigious position.

As founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture(and, previously, as a staff member and scholar at both the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum), Bunch is uniquely prepared to lead the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and multiple education units and centers. The entire Smithsonian will benefit from his visionary leadership.

We often refer to the Museum’s mission as “A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story.” Today, the lens of the African American experience adds greater dimension to the Smithsonian mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Together we will write the next chapter in this great American story.

Source: Image and text, Adrienne Brooks, Director of Advancement, National Museum of African American History. Video,Smithsonian Institution, https://www.ustream.tv/recorded/124450379.